Masrour Barzani: Baghdad Has Not Ruled Out Military Option to Resolve Disputes

ERBIL — Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani stated that they hope that the past mistakes which led to the rise of terrorism in Iraq won’t be repeated.

“Kurdistan Region hopes that the mistakes made in the past won’t be repeated, because it will lead to further instability and prepare the ground for reemergence of terror,” Barzani said, adding “And this will create more problems for the region and the international community.”

Regarding the latest developments in the issues between Erbil and Baghdad, the KRSC chief said that Baghdad is evading talks with Erbil over the disputes and the indications on the ground show that authorities in Baghdad have not ruled out the military options to resolve the political differences.

These indications are dangerous and they will constitute threats to the stability in the region, he said.

The Kurdish senior official explained that the Kurdistan Region hopes that the discussions between Erbil and Baghdad begin as soon as possible, and the embargoes on Erbil will be lifted.

Barzani’s remarks were made during his meeting with the German Ambassador to Iraq, Cyrill Nunn, and his accompanying delegation on Monday.

During the meeting, the German Ambassador reiterated his country’s support for talks between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve their disputes on the basis of the Iraqi constitution. He noted that they will exert efforts to push both sides to kickstart negotiations to reach a mutual understanding over the pressing issues.

The German diplomat said that his country supports a strong and developed Kurdistan Region with its constitutional rights secured within Iraq.